Fall is not in the air . . . but football certainly is!

GETTING READY FOR REGISTRATION - Diboll defensive coordinator Bruce Bolden, left, and Jimmy Davis, assistant football coach, checked the numbers of workout uniforms to be issued to players reporting Monday for the first day of football practice. A total of 85 'reported for duty' - 40 of which were returning juniors and seniors. See today's sports for more. (Staff photo by Lois Cooper)

Despite the fact that fall doesn't arrive for over a month and a half and temperatures hoover about the 95-degree mark every afternoon, the Diboll Lumberjacks took to the field Monday for opening day of practice.

Eighty-five Diboll athletes, including 40 returning juniors and seniors who were instrumental in securing the 2006 District Championship, reported Monday morning for orientation and issuance of equipment and workout uniforms.

Head football coach Gary Martel met with the players at 4 p.m., and then it was 'let the games begin' time. Players were divided into four groups for weights and position conditioning followed later by some practicing.

Martel said, "We've got a lot of talented youngsters here in Diboll and with 40 returning from last years team to serve as an anchor, there's no reason we can't surpass what we did last year."

Training continues throughout the remainder of the week in preparation for the first scrimmage against Hardin Jefferson.